Toddler's family reacts to deadly hit and run

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - A tragic hit and run crash with the tiniest of victims. 

The family of a 15-month-old girl, who was killed in the street just feet away from her home, is speaking out.

Investigators believe Milan Darr, 71, ran over Ivana Valenciano on Isleta and Raymac in the South Valley Friday night.

"He didn't even try to stop," her cousin Cesar Aragon said. "He just went straight through. It was just a really hard impact and we all had to see it. It just breaks our heart."

Sheriff's deputies arrested Darr at a Los Lunas home hours after the accident.

"Based on their investigation, witness accounts on what happened and the interview, the deputies feel confident that the driver absolutely knew he struck the child before leaving," said Bernalillo County Sheriff's Captain Jason Katz.

He said evidence at the scene links Darr to the crime.

Officials do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor, but the suspect has a history of DWI. Online court records show he has three DWI convictions and two additional charges.

Saturday neighbors prayed at a memorial in front of Ivana's home. Her family said they were having a small gathering and the little girl was playing with her cousins in the front yard when her mother turned around for five seconds and the unthinkable happened.

The family's home is feet away from the busy street. The do not face charges.  

"The child simply got away from the parents," said Capt. Katz. "She may not have a real explanation for what happened because she lost her for three seconds. It's something that it's tragic, and I'm not really sure it can be explained."

The family forgives the suspect and is simply asking for prayers.

"I wish they would just come and say sorry," said Aragon. "We're going through some hard stuff just like they are probably too."

Darr is charged with leaving the scene of a deadly accident and tampering with evidence. He had a passenger with him in the truck, but so far that man has not been charged.